Years later, returning to his hometown with his wife, he said he was dismayed to discover that the trees there had drastically dwindled in number.

However, he felt empowered to bring greater awareness about preserving the country’s mangrove forests after a workshop he attended on how to make mangrove dye.

Thus, the fashion brand Xiapism was born.

Founded in May 2019 by Lim and his wife, the couple hope that Xiapism will be able to spark conversations on the importance of conservation.

“For us, sustainability means co-existing with nature in harmony, in that we can both live together peacefully without issue,” he told FMT.

Lim said he was also inspired by how local fishermen in the 1950’s would use mangrove dye on their jute fishing nets to make them sturdier.

Xiapism’s products include fabric shoulder bags, totes and purses as well as home accessories like table runners.

“We initially started small by setting up booths in community markets, but we didn’t gain much traction there, so we were feeling a little lost and dispirited.

“Then my wife suggested going to this flea market in KL and to our surprise, it went well and we made enough to cover the rental fees on the first day!”

Since then, it has been smoother sailing as the brand found its footing in the marketplace.

When the pandemic hit, the 56-year-old said it actually gave them time to get their website up and running, although shops that carried their products inevitably took a hit in terms of sales.

As the lockdowns were lifted, the brand went back to participating in handicraft markets, as well as holding workshops to educate more people on the importance of mangrove forests.

“We aim to cut down the usage of single-use plastic as they can get lodged in between the roots of mangrove trees,” Lim said, adding that he himself brings their own Furoshiki wrapping cloth on grocery runs instead of using plastic bags.

Lim said it typically takes about two weeks to complete the production of one bag, and this is after the mangrove tree bark is cleaned and soaked for a month.

“The dying process takes about a week, and then another week for sewing and production.”

Customers are also encouraged to send their Xiapism fabric bags back after a few years so it can be re-dyed – at no extra cost to them (except for posting fees).

“We focus on the quality of our products so that they can be used for a long time, hence our slogan: ‘Buy less buy better’.”

As to visual appeal, Lim said many of his customers are drawn to the rustic look that the mangrove dye produces on the fabric.

One particular customer even rejected a tote because he felt the dye job was too pretty, opting instead for a more abstract-looking piece for his mother who used the bag when going to the market.

“I met the same customer two years later and he told me his mom is still using the bag!” Lim said, chuckling.

He also said the brand is looking to broaden their range of products and will launch a clothing line in the third quarter of 2023.

“At the end of the day, we want to have fun doing what we do now, other than passing on our message one product and one workshop participant at a time.”

Follow Beng Lim’s Xiapism on Instagram and Facebook or head to their website.

Visit the Xiapism booth this week at Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur.

Xiapism @ HKK 2023
TBA06, Khemah B
Kompleks Kraf
Jalan Conlay,
50450 Kuala Lumpur

Date: March 1-13, 2023

Time: 10.00am-10.00pm